Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 149
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Halloween
Havenstreet
Step into a world of witches, wizards and Halloween characters as the Isle of Wight Steam railway comes alive with themed displays, live performances and interactive activities. Explore the decorated station, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Shopping
Portsmouth
Save the date for Port Solent's popular two-day Christmas Market – on 5 and 6 December.
Christmas
Sandown
Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Join the John Lewis Southampton store on Monday 16 November for all the beauty inspiration you need this Christmas.
Health & Wellbeing
Waterlooville
Join us round the fire in one of our historic buildings for an evening of yoga, relaxation, and personal growth in one of our monthly yoga classes.
Christmas
Basingstoke
CHRISTMAS 2026
Exclusive Christmas Party Nights
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The room will be exclusively yours where you can…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Looking for a great way to get outdoors during the school holidays, with plenty of climbing, balancing and zip-lining to keep the whole family entertained. Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Moors Valley’s…
Tour
Stockbridge
Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Cowes Week 2027 brings world-class sailing back to the Isle of Wight, with around 5,000 competitors racing more than 600 boats across 35 classes on the Solent. One of the world's most famous sailing regattas, the event combines thrilling racing,…
Christmas
Brockenhurst
Begin the countdown to Christmas with New Forest chocolatier Kerry Witt as you create your own handcrafted chocolate advent calendar at Careys Manor Hotel
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Christmas
Sandown
The Garlic Farm's annual Christmas Market brings together the festive Pop-Up Shop and a weekend of local artisan stalls, seasonal food and Christmas cheer
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre.
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
Museums
Portsmouth
Celebrate the 214th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens at his first home, here in Portsmouth.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step into a world of autumnal magic and treasured memories this October half-term at Beaulieu.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
No kids. No distractions. Just you, your friends, and the treetops after dark at Go Ape Southampton
Other
Cowes
Thorness Bay Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight is set to undergo a significant multi-million-pound transformation, with owner Parkdean Resorts announcing a major programme of upgrades due to open in spring 2027.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
